The Importance of Texas Poker Clubs

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Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 | Written by Stephen Smith

Texas law prohibits gambling, except on the state lottery or horse racing, making poker rooms illegal throughout the Lone Star State. However, that hasn’t stopped players from taking to the tables. By creating private clubs that do not make any money from the games themselves, Texans have found a work-around that allows for card rooms to be up and running. By all intents and purposes, these card rooms are most likely legal, but people from outside Texas, especially those in gambling-friendly states, may wonder why it is necessary to go to such great lengths. The truth is that with the current political climate in Texas, the moves are more than necessary.

As Brandon Rottinghaus from the University of Houston, who is a Professor of political science, explains: “It probably violates the spirit, if not the letter of the law. So, in instances like that, there will definitely be a push back where the Attorney General and local law enforcement might take offense to the idea that there might be this illicit expansion of gambling, even if it’s not technically speaking illegal gambling.”

Sinful Gambling

Although not thought of as a part of the Bible belt, Texas is part of the cultural South. In 2010, 15 percent of Texans identified themselves as Southern Baptists, making the faith the second largest religious affiliation in the state. Southern Baptists have long been outspoken about gambling, believing it to be sinful and immoral. These beliefs are shifting even among staunch members of the faith, but older Southern Baptists are still likely to protest any moves to legalize gambling.

Legislation Efforts

Texas has tried in the past to legalize gambling. In fact, there have been attempts made in the state capital every year, but the bills never get very far before some lawmaker protests on behalf of religious groups, and the legislation is dead in the water. When one takes a look at campaign contributions and lobbying efforts, it becomes clear that these statements are disingenuous. The real reason why Texas has yet to legalize gambling comes down to money.

Every year, Texans travel to New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana to visit casinos. Their business is worth billions, and casino operators in these states know that if Texas was to suddenly become home to legal casinos, that business would dry up. As a result, lobbyists actively court Texas politicians and large casino operators routinely donate to campaigns. The goal is to encourage lawmakers to move against any efforts to push through legislation to legalize gambling, and funds are also contributed to Governors and Lieutenant Governors historically in efforts to keep any Bill that might be successful from ultimately being signed.

The Chickasaw Nation that owns the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma, is one such donor, with millions of the tribal nation’s revenues having gone into the pockets of Texas state lawmakers. Representative John Kuempel and Representative Ryan Guillen have received much of the money, and it’s no coincidence that these two are the Chair and Vice Chair of the licensing and administrative committee, which is charged with overseeing any proposed legislation related to gambling.

Unlikely to Change Soon

Polls of Texans indicate that voters would like to have a chance to weigh in on the issue of legalized gambling, but it seems unlikely that they will have the opportunity anytime soon. And so for the foreseeable future, poker enthusiasts will need to jump through hoops and deal with concerns about robberies and potential legal troubles as they try to enjoy the game they love.

Nevertheless, efforts are ongoing by enthusiasts who are determined to see the laws changed, with one such advocate being Houston poker player and card club owner Michael Eakman. As the Mint Poker club entrepreneur stated recently, he made everyone aware of what his club intended to do before signing its lease, in order not to fall foul of what he described as a “narrow scope of a very vague law.” Elaborating further on the issue, Senator Jose Menendez from San Antonio, commented:

“I think it’s a little hypocritical that we can have a state lottery or horse racing in Texas, but we can’t let people play poker. Fortunately, it appears this is an issue where legislators don’t want to touch it. They understand that people want to have the freedom to do this so they’re will to not get into it. For now at least they’re letting these membership-based card rooms be safe places for people be able to practice their hobbies.”